Plum (Prunus) River's Early Prolific 12L

'Rivers's Early Prolific' is a much-loved heritage plum that has been grown in British gardens for nearly 200 years, and it holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. It was raised by the renowned Rivers nursery of Sawbridgeworth, and as its name suggests, it is one of the earliest and most generous croppers. By late July, its slightly pendulous branches are laden with small, round, dark blue-black plums. Their golden flesh is sweet with a rich perfume, although the fruit can be a little sharp straight from the tree. It really comes into its own in the kitchen, making superb jams, pies and crumbles. The white blossom opens after the worst of the late frosts have passed and is valuable for bees and other pollinators.

Plant in full sun in a sheltered spot, ideally facing south or west. It grows in clay, loam or sand as long as the soil is moist but well-drained, and a slightly acidic soil is ideal. Improve poorer ground with well-rotted compost or manure before planting, and keep a weed-free circle of at least 60cm around the trunk. Water well while it establishes and during dry spells as the fruit swells. It is partially self-fertile, so a single tree will set some fruit, but it crops much better with another plum from the same flowering group nearby; 'Herman', 'Guinevere' and Haganta® all make good partners. Prune plums in summer rather than winter to reduce the risk of silver leaf and bacterial canker, shaping the tree and removing any dead or crossing branches. It crops heavily, so thin the fruit on young trees to avoid overloading the branches, and net ripening fruit to keep the birds off. It is hardy across most of the UK (RHS H5). Size depends on the rootstock, with the RHS giving a height and spread of 2.5–4m within 5–10 years.

Supplied in a 12 litre pot. Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.